The request to the state came from Assistant City Manager Steve Rosenberg, current chairman for the combined Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro social services boards. Each board has a single member. Rosenberg comprises Staunton's board. Mike Hamp is representing Waynesboro. And Pat Coffield is representing Augusta County.

The review is not considered routine, according to Reese, but has occurred in the past when a director has left the local office.

The review can be conducted by the VDSS "due to recognition of agency deficiencies or requested by an agency board or city/county administration either because there are problematic issues or there is a change, such as change of administration," Reese said.

"There will be a full analysis of processes and systems that may impact program performance. This is very in-depth ... for instance, there will not be just a review of cases; there will also be an examination of case management," she said. "A team will be on-site for several weeks to a month. Every agency employee will be interviewed."

Reese said the review will produce a thorough report that will reflect "a true picture of the agency, good or bad." From there, the regional office will work with the agency board to take any necessary actions.

"The agency has had reviews in the past; however this process has changed and is now conducted in a more in-depth manner," Reese said. "Both VDSS and the agency board have identified the issue of the deletion of the voice mails as an issue to be covered during this Quality Management Review."

A. Lee Ervin, the Augusta County commonwealth's attorney, called for an independent investigation by the Virginia State Police. A letter requesting an investigation was sent last week.

Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Appomattox Field Office received the letter, and the request is currently under review, said Corinne Geller, spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police.